Date: April 2, 2005
Location: Alameda First Baptist Church, Alameda, California
Host: Ministers Council of the Greater Bay Area
Facilitators: James Dunn and Dayle Scott
Participants: 17 persons attended
Report: contributions from Micky Holmes, Clark Flesher, Dayle Scott and James Dunn.
Observations:
Our event was titled “How to Get Along: Living with Differences in the Church.” We followed the Jerusalem Council agenda and process, beginning with welcome and introductions. We acknowledged that we were gathering in God’s Name by lighting a candle as Christ’s presence, covenanting to be respectful and hold in confidence what is shared, prayed for a safe place, and shared in a song. A brief history of led up to this meeting was given, guidelines for the process, and guidelines for dialogue were shared. It was emphasized that the Jerusalem Council process can be used to create an atmosphere for dealing with differences within the local church.
We engaged with Acts 15:1-35 using the ‘Lecto Divina” method of reading /listening. It was stated that this practice of spiritual discernment involves a sincere desire to know God’s yearning in a matter of great importance. It is an appeal to set aside personal agendas and to use a God question to keep our focus on God rather than on us. This was a new process for many of us, however, we worked hard to follow the process as described by our facilitator. Following our experience with “Lecto Divina” appreciation for the process was expressed.
Following lunch and a gathering prayer, we were given opportunity to share their personal theological convictions and experiences regarding the issue of homosexuality. There was respectful sharing of and listening to the many stories about and understanding of homosexuality. Also lifted up was the importance of Baptist principals and polity as something that should guide our decision making..
We then shared our response to three questions: 1) What values do we hold in common – values that inform our capacity to live with profound differences in the interpretation of Scripture?, 2) What else would you like to say to the Ministers Council Senators regarding the proposed amendment to the bylaws?, 3) If God were to show us a way forward together, what might it look like?
We closed holding hands in a circle and all had opportunity to share in prayer.
James M. Dunn shared the following comments about the experience: “The atmosphere was relaxed. The intention to do serious work was obvious. The pace was measured. The make-up of the group was eclectic. The result was a productive seven hours. Because of the careful Bible study and voluntary vulnerability of participants, the collective patience with the process, the palpable trust level which we experienced developed wonderfully during the day. Sixteen ministers in the Greater Bay Area Ministers Council took the Jerusalem Council project seriously enough to give it a valued Saturday, April 2. Whether it was "worth it" remains to be seen, but if other regions had similar spiritual experience, if biblical truth took on like flesh in other venues, if mutual love for one another for the gospel's sake was realized broadly, no narrow attempt to preclude, punish or prohibit in the name of uniformity has a prayer of success in the larger American Baptist family.”